How To Choose a Greenhouse, Potting Shed or Combo.
It’s the time of year when winter is nearly over and spring is about to spring. Easter is only a few weeks away, and this is traditionally when the garden gets its owners’ full attention. Some years Easter is earlier than others, and for the life of me, I can’t understand why the date keeps changing. Christmas is the same every year, so why not Easter?
Potting Shed, Greenhouse or Garden Shed
Anyway, Easter is one of the busiest times of the year for getting out into the garden and seeing what needs doing. The garden shed is often a likely candidate, certainly if it is one of the cheap ones available on the web. I’m sure you know what I mean – the garden sheds with chipboard or OSB floors and worse roofs, which start to disintegrate as soon as they get wet.
The garden sheds that you CAN’T see before you buy. Yes, they are cheap, but just think why these sheds are cheap. Maybe this time is worth looking at garden sheds or workshops a little bit more closely and, quite radically, only buying a garden shed you can see. You know it makes sense.
Should You Consider A Greenhouse
A greenhouse for the garden is another consideration, and it is nearly always a good idea. Whilst helping with your gardening hobby, you can grow delicious fruit and vegetables and save loads of money. Also, the produce you grow tastes better, and you have the satisfaction of having grown it yourself.
Owning your own greenhouse or potting shed means you can enjoy many happy hours and also help socially. With a common interest, and even more so when society is trying to be greener, you can share ideas and maybe produce for both your interests. The benefits of owning your own greenhouse include improving your health and relieving stress from the day-to-day world.
The greenhouse is not the only option for growing fruit and vegetables, although it is the first garden building thought about when considering this type of building. You will find that greenhouses can come in many sizes and shapes. Traditionally, these garden buildings were all timber, but over the years, the aluminium greenhouses have become more popular, mainly because of cost.
Usually glazed with horticultural glass (which may have small imperfections but is ideally suited for this purpose), Polycarbonate, plastic or even polyethene can be used. I personally would not consider plastic or polyethene, but glass or polycarbonate will do the job admirably. An opening window and/or skylights would be a good idea for ventilation. There are also many shapes, including the orangery style, which harks back to the good old Victorian times. 1st Choice Leisure Buildings have examples of greenhouses on their display site for viewing, so, if interested, take a trip out to see these super garden buildings.
What About A Potting Shed & Greenhouse Combination?
Another option is a combination greenhouse and garden shed such as the Diamond Graffham. With these garden buildings, you would normally find that about 2/3 of the building is a greenhouse and the remaining 1/3 is a garden shed. You can conveniently store your garden tools, plant pots, and boxes in the shed section.
This combination greenhouse-garden shed also looks very neat and tidy. Normally available in varying lengths and widths. You will also find that Graffham can have the garden shed and greenhouse in different proportions to suit your needs. Again, ensure you take a look at these buildings before buying so you don’t end up with a cheap imitation.
Potting Sheds Are Always a Popular Choice
A third option is a garden potting shed. This tends to be a garden shed with a large expanse of glass on one side. Traditionally, the glass will slope backwards at an angle, as it’s claimed that this maximises the sun’s exposure. The only downside is that it reduces interior space.
If you take a look at the Diamond Potting Shed you will see they given a lot of thought to the design and this ensures that you do not lose any space inside, hilt having a massive expanse of glass on the front and both ends.
This very popular potting shed is available with a pent (single slope) roof as well as an apex (gable) roof. They have also added a half glass roof option so you do not miss out on any sunshine – a true masterpiece. Complete with slatted potting bench, opening window and stable door, there are no standard extras required.
How to choose? Take a look at all three types of greenhouses, greenhouse combination sheds, and solar potting sheds at 1st Choice Leisure Buildings display site near Guildford in Surrey. These experts, who have been involved with the manufacture of garden buildings since 1979, recognise that they are here to serve you and not to push onto you whatever THEY choose. You know it makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions About Potting Sheds
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Can I customise my potting shed in Surrey?Absolutely! You can choose the size, roof style, window placement, and paint colours. Some models are fully bespoke to fit your garden and preferences.
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Do I need a special base for a potting shed in my garden?Yes — a firm, level base is essential. Options include concrete, paving slabs, or treated timber. A proper base keeps your shed level, prevents doors from sticking, and protects the timber from rot.
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Do I need planning permission for a garden potting shed in Guildford, Woking or SurreyMost small garden sheds don’t need planning permission if they’re under 2.5?m high and not too close to your boundary. To be sure, check with your local council, but most Surrey homeowners don’t need to apply.
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Do you deliver and install potting sheds in Guildford and Woking Surrey?Yes, 1st Choice delivers across Surrey as well as all over England and can also assemble the shed free for you. This way, you don't need to lift or put it together yourself.
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How long will a potting shed last in Surrey?With regular maintenance and treatment, a well-built potting shed can last 20–30 years. Check the roof, windows, and wood each year to keep your shed in good condition.
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How much does a potting shed cost in Guildford or Woking?Smaller top-quality wooden sheds typically start at about £1,000, while larger or bespoke designs will cost more. 1st Choices can deliver and assemble sheds anywhere in Surrey and the south of England, making set-up easier.
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How much natural light will a potting shed provide?Most sheds include large glass windows for plenty of natural light. This is ideal for seedlings, indoor plants, or a bright workspace.
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What size potting shed works best for a typical Surrey garden?If you only need space for tools and a few pots, choose a 6×4 shed. If you want a workbench, more storage, and lots of natural light, consider an 8×8 or larger shed. Measure your garden first to confirm the space.
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What timber do 1st Choice use for potting sheds?1st Choice uses high-quality redwood timber. No chipboard or OSB is used. This helps your shed withstand wet British weather and last for years.
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What’s the difference between a potting shed and a greenhouse?Potting sheds usually feature timber walls, glass windows, and a bench for planting, while greenhouses are mainly glass to let in as much sunlight as possible. Potting sheds are more flexible — great for storage, working, and growing plants.
